Buckeye Trail Blue Blaze Festival - Half Marathon, 10K, 5K Run, Hike and Backpack
- Date Sat 26th September 2026
- Time 8:00AM EDT
- Location Shawnee, Ohio
- Price $22.20 - $48.70
- Races 4 races
- Distances Half Marathon, 5km, 10 Mile
Event summary
Join us for the exhilarating Buckeye Trail Blue Blaze Festival on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in the picturesque Village of Shawnee, Perry, Ohio! This vibrant event celebrates Ohio's iconic Buckeye Trail in honor of National Public Lands Day, inviting outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds to come together for a day filled with adventure and camaraderie. Whether you're a trail runner, hiker, or eager to learn about backpacking, there's something for everyone at this exciting festival.
Participants can choose from a variety of distances to suit their skill levels, including a challenging Half Marathon (13.1 miles), a 10K, and a 5K run/walk. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, the festival offers a 10-mile hike and an overnight backpacking trek, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Wayne National Forest's single-track trails. The festival kicks off bright and early, with the Half Marathon and 10K starting at 9:00 AM, followed by the 5K at 9:15 AM. Hikers will embark on their journey at 8:00 AM, guided by the Little Cities of the Forest Chapter of the Buckeye Trail Association, ensuring an enriching experience with historical insights
Participants can choose from a variety of distances to suit their skill levels, including a challenging Half Marathon (13.1 miles), a 10K, and a 5K run/walk. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, the festival offers a 10-mile hike and an overnight backpacking trek, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Wayne National Forest's single-track trails. The festival kicks off bright and early, with the Half Marathon and 10K starting at 9:00 AM, followed by the 5K at 9:15 AM. Hikers will embark on their journey at 8:00 AM, guided by the Little Cities of the Forest Chapter of the Buckeye Trail Association, ensuring an enriching experience with historical insights
Organiser's Description
THE BLUE BLAZE FESTIVAL - RUN, HIKE & BACKPACK ON THE BUCKEYE TRAIL
The BLUE BLAZE FESTIVAL is a celebration of Ohio's Buckeye Trail in conjunction with National Public Lands Day. Whether you are a trail runner, hiker, or would like to learn more about backpacking you are welcome to be a part of our celebration of the Buckeye Trail (BT). Join us for the 2026 Blue Blaze Festival and explore the diversity and beauty of the outdoors. This year we will be joining forces with Destination Shawnee, the Tecumseh Theater and outdoor recreational organizations to bring together runners, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to the Village of Shawnee. This section of the Buckeye Trail, in the Wayne National Forest, is mostly single-track trail and provides some very challenging terrain. The BLUE BLAZE FESTIVAL will be highlighting the BT as an outdoor destination for running, hiking and backpacking, plus all of the excitement happening in the historic Village of Shawnee.
There is a trail experience and distance right for you: Half Marathon (13.1 miles), 10K, 5K run/walk, 10 Mile Hike and an overnight Backpacking trek. All events are on the Buckeye Trail in the Wayne National Forest.
RUNNING EVENTS - HALF MARATHON, 10K AND 5K
9:00AM Half Marathon and 10K, 9:15AM 5K start.
All running events are chip timed with live results posted.
HIKING THE BUCKEYE TRAIL
The 10-MILE HIKE will start at 8:00am (1 hour before the running events) in Shawnee. All hikers will be given a race bib/number with a timing chip used to monitor when hikers start and finish the hike. The hike is designed and lead by the Little Cities of the Forest Chapter of the BTA, with a number of historical points following the Blue Blazes of the Buckeye Trail. A guide with historical points of interest and the route map will be provided to participants.
The BLUE BLAZE FESTIVAL is a celebration of Ohio's Buckeye Trail in conjunction with National Public Lands Day. Whether you are a trail runner, hiker, or would like to learn more about backpacking you are welcome to be a part of our celebration of the Buckeye Trail (BT). Join us for the 2026 Blue Blaze Festival and explore the diversity and beauty of the outdoors. This year we will be joining forces with Destination Shawnee, the Tecumseh Theater and outdoor recreational organizations to bring together runners, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to the Village of Shawnee. This section of the Buckeye Trail, in the Wayne National Forest, is mostly single-track trail and provides some very challenging terrain. The BLUE BLAZE FESTIVAL will be highlighting the BT as an outdoor destination for running, hiking and backpacking, plus all of the excitement happening in the historic Village of Shawnee.
There is a trail experience and distance right for you: Half Marathon (13.1 miles), 10K, 5K run/walk, 10 Mile Hike and an overnight Backpacking trek. All events are on the Buckeye Trail in the Wayne National Forest.
RUNNING EVENTS - HALF MARATHON, 10K AND 5K
9:00AM Half Marathon and 10K, 9:15AM 5K start.
All running events are chip timed with live results posted.
HIKING THE BUCKEYE TRAIL
The 10-MILE HIKE will start at 8:00am (1 hour before the running events) in Shawnee. All hikers will be given a race bib/number with a timing chip used to monitor when hikers start and finish the hike. The hike is designed and lead by the Little Cities of the Forest Chapter of the BTA, with a number of historical points following the Blue Blazes of the Buckeye Trail. A guide with historical points of interest and the route map will be provided to participants.
Races
-
Half Marathon
Incl. $3.70 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 26th September 2026 (9:00AM EDT)
$48.70
OPENS 01 MAR -
10k
Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 26th September 2026 (9:00AM EDT)
$32.80
OPENS 01 MAR -
5K Run/Walk
Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 26th September 2026 (9:15AM EDT)
$27.50
OPENS 01 MAR -
10 Mile Hike
Incl. $2.20 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 26th September 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$22.20
OPENS 01 MARThis will be an out and back hike, using a looped section of the Buckeye Trail, with the start and finish in Shawnee, OH.
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127B W. Main St., Buckeye Trail Association, Shawnee, 43782, OH, United States
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Buckeye Trail Blue Blaze Festival - Half Marathon, 10K, 5K Run, Hike and Backpack
